WHEELING - To celebrate their culture, members of the Zanke family went to Heritage Port Saturday to incorporate the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival into their reunion.
"I am enjoying spending time with hundreds of my in-laws," said Elizabeth Cioffi of Fort Myers, Fla. regarding her husband Louis Cioffi's relatives. "This is great for the Zanke family."
Some afternoon showers eventually gave way to sunshine, allowing the Zanke family and thousands of others to enjoy the second day of the 30th annual festival. Saturday highlights included plenty of live entertainment and an evening fireworks display from the deck of the Wheeling Suspension Bridge.
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"We always come up for the festival," said Louis Cioffi. "Having our family reunion here along with the festival makes it even more special than usual."
Also coming a long way to enjoy the festival were West Middlesex, Pa. residents Phyllis Gruver and Betty Weiser, both of whom visited the event for the first time.
"I think it is a great event from what I see, especially for the kids," Weiser said.
"This is a really nice setting for a festival. It is nice and cool down here by the (Ohio) River," Gruver added.
The festival concludes today with more live entertainment and food. Events at the Heritage Port Stage today include:
- 10 a.m. - Roman Catholic Mass
- 11:15 a.m. - Elio Scaccio
- 12:45 p.m. - Ohio Valley Athletic Conference All-Star Marching Band
- 1:45 p.m. - The New View Trio
- 3:30 p.m. - Moreno Fruzzeti & The First-Class Orchestra.
Events set for the Cultural Area Italian Stage today include:
- noon - wine-making contest awards
- 1 p.m. - Allegro Dance Co.
- 2:30 p.m. - The Faiellas
- 3:30 p.m. - Frank and Friends, featuring Nick Fiasco.
